Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
A key component of an effective biodiversity strategy is rapid and scalable monitoring. At the institutional level, Eawag and WSL have extensive expertise and experience in novel biodiversity monitoring approaches. In a coordinated development, the novel Biodiversity Monitoring (BiMo) initiative aims to strengthen this research portfolio and generate effective practice implementation. The project has a strong focus on method development and outputs with high relevance for stakeholders. Together with two other projects on remote sensing and computer vision, the BiMo initiative will strengthen capacities at Eawag and WSL for developing and implementing biodiversity monitoring methods.
In this Postdoc project you will use and advance eDNA metabarcoding data for an integrated ecosystem and biodiversity assessment. This specifically includes a) assembling existing aquatic eDNA datasets and develop integrated biodiversity and ecosystem indices based on eDNA, b) work towards streamlining of eDNA pipelines and analysis protocols, c) collaboratively develop grant proposals for third-party funding acquisition with a focus on foundation and industry collaborations, and to scale/link to the other BiMo projects on remote sensing and imaging. The latter with a focus on exploring and advancing the integration of eDNA for a landscape-level biodiversity assessment. The project has a strong focus on method and indices development, and the project output being implementable and of rele-vance for stakeholders.
This project builds on already established aquatic eDNA datasets. We will first develop indicators in Switzerland, with extensive data and a good understanding of the system and then scale up, using our global databases. You will assemble and unify available datasets in a common database including integration of land-use variables. Then you will develop novel, eDNA-based indicators on ecosystem health and lead development and writing of a large collaborative research proposal targeting third-party funding.
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person with a passion for science and implementation. You are expected to take on a leading role in the research field of eDNA metabarcoding and biodiversity monitoring, with a focus on diversity assessments in freshwater ecosystems using high throughput sequencing (HTS).
To apply, you must have a PhD degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecology, Biodiversity Sciences or a closely related science field. Ideally, you have laboratory and bioinformatics experience in eDNA or HTS approaches, and extensive knowledge on analyzing biodiversity data. Experience in programming is an asset. A strong conceptual background in molecular ecology and a good understanding of ecological theory and data analysis are expected. Excellent and proven skills in proposal writing and third-party funds acquisition are highly desired. The working language in the groups is English. Fluency in speaking and writing is re-quired. Additional German or French language skills are desirable for stakeholder interactions.
The project is led by
Prof. Dr Florian Altermatt (Eawag/UZH),
Dr Andrin Gross (WSL), and
Prof. Dr Loïc Pellissier (WSL/ETHZ). This position will be in the group of Prof. Dr Florian Altermatt (
www.altermattlab.ch) at Eawag (Duebendorf, Switzerland). The project involves extensive collaborations between the three groups, and national/cantonal stakeholders. The position is fully funded for two years and is expected to start in Q1 of 2026.
a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult
www.eawag.ch and
www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2025 and should include a letter describing your interests and their relevance to this position, a complete CV, university diplomas, and the names and contact information for three references (all in one pdf file).
For further information, please contact
Prof. Dr Florian Altermatt.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.